Rear-End Car Crashes in Florida

Personal Injury Attorney in Orlando Handles Rear-End Collision Cases

Posted on January 14th, 2022

Common Rear-End Collision Causes and Injuries

Although rear-end car accidents account for only a small percentage of auto accidents in the state of Florida, they are especially dangerous because of the kind of injuries they can cause to both the person being rear-ended and the other driver. In some cases, they can result in the death of the parties involved. Injuries from a motor vehicle collision can quickly become a heavy financial burden. Our car accident attorneys can handle your case and hold the party at fault accountable so you can receive fair compensation to cover your medical expenses and property damage costs.

Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions

In Florida, most rear-end collisions are caused by:

Tailgating
Distracted driving
Brake failure
Driving at high speed
Malfunction of brake lights
Speeding

However, other factors, such as slick roads or damaged tires can also cause rear-end collisions.

Common Rear-End Collision Injuries

During a rear-end accident, drivers are thrown forward rapidly due to the impact, and can hit the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield. Depending on the speed, injuries can be minor, such as broken lips or bruises, or severe, including fractures and brain contusions.

Whiplash: This is the most common type of rear-end collision injury. It occurs when the soft tissues of the neck are injured due to a violent movement. The pain caused by whiplash can last from a few days to more than a year. (Read more about it - How do I know if I suffered whiplash from a car accident?)

Neck and back injuries: The impact of a rear-end collision causes compression of the spinal discs. The pressure can cause muscle injuries, displaced discs, lower back injuries, and even disabling fractures.

Head injuries: Head injuries are always dangerous and, unfortunately, are very common during a rear-end accident. A blow against the steering wheel or dashboard can result in contusions or in traumatic brain injuries. In severe cases, you could be paralyzed, have impaired brain function, or even die.

Hip injuries: Hip injuries might not be apparent immediately after an accident. If you develop hip pain after a rear-end collision, it is imperative that you seek medical attention immediately for a full evaluation and contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Hip injuries cause long-term damage and leave victims with mobility issues. This type of injury may require surgery and sometimes even a full hip replacement, with mounting medical bills and loss of wages.

I Was Rear-Ended. What do I do?

Being prepared can help you get over an accident. If you have just been rear-ended or have rear-ended someone else, follow these steps:

Don't panic. Anxiety can make you waste valuable time, so take a deep breath and try to calm down first.
Check to see if you have any wounds but do it carefully. Avoid sudden movements, as certain injuries, such as whiplash, may take a few days to develop, even if you feel fine at the time of impact. Call an ambulance as soon as possible. In Florida, you must seek medical care and treatment within 14 days of the crash, or you will lose any rights for compensation.
Call the police and your car accident lawyer. Avoid any type of confrontation with the other driver and wait until the authorities arrive. A fight will only make things worse and the recording of the accident by the authorities can be of great help.
Take photos of the license plates of both cars and talk to possible witnesses. It will be valuable evidence when seeking compensation for injuries.
Contact your insurance company and report the accident as soon as possible to expedite the claim process. You can read more about Personal Injury Protection and compensation.

Suffering a car crash leaves you in a very vulnerable position, both physically and legally. Even if you follow these recommendations in case of an auto accident, the insurance company will likely seek to reduce the compensation payment. You will need legal advice from a team that will support you through the legal process so that you can recover without problems.

If you have been injured in a rear-end accident in Orlando or its vicinity, contact us as soon as possible. We can help you claim what you deserve, but you need to act fast. Call Jason Recksiedler, certified as an expert in civil trial law by the Florida Bar, or Caroline Fischer Espi. We are available at 321-999-1111 24 hours a day. You may also send us an email or fill out the online form located on this page and we will contact you shortly.